PressPLAYLIST: The Week in Music

13th January 2013

Well, this is one way to kick off 2013. Bowie’s back, Destiny’s Child are back, Timberlake’s back and, er, Kimberley Walsh has got a new solo single ballad type thing. All we need now is official confirmation that Azealia Banks is leaving Twitter and we’re sorted.Anyroad, here’s what we’ve spinning this week (alongside MONEY, Sally Shapiro, Shy Girls, SWW, Christopher Owens, and Gems):

Destiny’s Child – NuclearQuestion: tell us what you think about this? Fair enough, in the context of the Love Songs compilation, it’s a sweet little ditty if you like the ‘bare-basic, Emeli Sande off-cut’ kinda thing, but where’s the sass of Kelly Rowland? The empowerment of Beyonce? The generic R&B spare-part pout of Michelle? We don’t think anyone’s ready for this stale jelly.

The Saturdays – What About UsMeanwhile, those hard-working Saturdays (aka the best band that never had a #1) are doing their utmost to crack America, having launched their new single What About Us. While it’s no Chasing Lights or All Fired Up, it’s still a damn good pop number, especially now that they’ve removed Sean Paul from it. We’re still determined to champion them as the rightful successors of Girls Aloud, as opposed to being a female The Wanted. NA NA NA NA NA NA.

Beyond Theory – Stay HereComplete change of tack here (we like to mix it up), but Stay Here by young Canadian Justin Squire aka Beyond Theory is a lovely slice of dark electronica. Think the fuzziness of Washed Out multiplied by the sleek production of Balam Acab and you’ve got some exciting darkwave talent bubbling here.

Willow Smith – Sugar and SpiceThe Smith scion continues her pledge to become the next Rihanna (including, we foresee, the inevitable rebellious breakdown after it emerges that she was inappropriately handled by Uncle Carlton). This Radiohead-sampling ballad is an astounding display of maturity with enough bite and intelligence to silence any critic. Exceptional stuff… now go finish your homework, dear.

Chailo Sim – Part of an Elaborate DreamUpcoming British folk outfit have yet to find their feet, but the output is quietly convincing. Songs like Part of an Elaborate Dream echo Patrick Watson and Great Lake Swimmers – so long as they can remain above the Mumford way, we’re in.

Life of Pi – Pi’s Lullaby We don’t understand a word of it, neither have we seen a film, but we get why it’s been nominated for an Oscar. THE POWER OF GOOD MUSIC, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN.